Characterization in The Glass Menagerie

Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie makes use of the characters to not only show a story but to also tell a story. Characterization is how characters are represented and the ways in which this is accomplished, such as, how an author limits one’s responses, questions or observations, for instance. An author may also characterize a character through his or her gestures or speeches. The idea of characterization and how one character’s actions may enlighten audiences to issues surrounding another character is brilliantly illustrated by Williams in his The Glass Menagerie.

On the surface of the play the issues present seem to be rooted in the fact that Laura is “crippled” and unwed, however, upon further examination it is seen that there are other deeper issues. Williams writes in his production notes that this is a “memory play” (1041). What is interesting about The Glass Menagerie is the point of whose memory the audience is exposed to. Tom acts as the protagonist because it is his memory that audiences must trust, as the narrator in addition to being the man of the house in the absence of his father.

As the play progresses we see the relationship and conversations between Tom and his mother Amanda. In this we see Amanda’s character (not the actor) as overbearing, fantastical and controlling. Upon further assessment of Amanda’s character audiences may concede to the fact that she is these things while acknowledging a more admirable facet to her character. As pointed out in a lecture by Dr. Pearl McHaney there are lines in the play in which it is evident that Amanda is trying to love her children. For example, in Scene four during a conversation between Amanda and Tom, Amanda confides, “I’ve never told yo...

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...point in that the title of the play is The Glass Menagerie. This title does present different ideas and themes such as, the idea of the family being so fragile. The menagerie is beautiful on the outside but easily broken much like the family. They have hidden secrets and fears. However, when one examines the story through a lens focused on characterization and how each character is depicted a conclusion may be drawn that the title serves as a hint for audiences to pay closer attention to Laura as she is the one most closely connected to the menagerie.

Works Cited

McHaney, Pearl A. Lecture on The Glass Menagerie. Engl 3860-American Drama. Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA. 20 June 2006.

Williams, Tennessee. The Glass Menagerie. 1945. The Bedford Introduction to Drama. 5th ed. Lee A. Jacobus, ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2005. 1041-1069.